1. Film Distribution: How to Market and Promote Independent
Feature Films
Independent Film Company To-do's
Fresh filmmakers need address many things to ensure the success of the movie.
Fortunately, there are effective ways to sell a film feature even if the industry is a bit crowded
these days. Here are some tips and film distribution options available for fresh filmmakers
such as you.
Find a Reputable Film Distributor
This is always your first option, to find a film distributor willing to spend money in marketing
and distribution of your feature film. You can easily find film distributors in this industry but it
can be difficult to find a reputable distributor, one who is not going to rob you of your hard
work. You can approach people in your circle to help you get connected with reputable film
distributors in the industry but it is your task to determine if you like working with these people
suggested by your friends.
Self Distribution
You made sure that the movie is with quality by spending hours and hours crafting it. As
such, you can always pour time and effort in ensuring that the movie is successfully
distributed. What this means is that you can choose to self distribute your movie any time.
Today, there are websites in the internet which allows you to submit your project for free or
for a small fee. These websites will help sell your movie via video on demand and some will
even allow you to keep all earnings to yourself.
Independent Film Theatres
You can also choose independent film theatres if you really want to put your movie on the big
screen. These theatres are quite accessible even to low budget film producers and directors.
If you are an indie filmmaker, you can opt for this kind of distribution anytime. However, it is
better to pick a theatre that will allow you to keep all earnings generated by your movie.
There are theatres that offer addition distribution services like marketing, packaging of the
movie into DVD, and submission of the movie in video on demand websites like Netflix,
Amazon, and more. Opt for these services to increase your chance of breaking into the
movie industry.
Independent Film Producers
A movie’s success can be attributed to various elements. Although the story, performance,
and budget play a vital role, there are other things that can contribute to a movie’s success. It
is not enough that you were able to come up with a good story because the movie has to be
distributed to your audience eventually. It is in this stage that you will have to consider
marketing your film so it will reach potential viewers.
However film distribution is tough especially if you are new to the scene. You will have to

2. compete with fellow indie filmmakers as well as big movie producers in the industry. With so
many movies coming out each day, it can be challenging to market a movie especially if it is
an indie one. Fortunately, there are many ways to market a movie no matter how small it is;
all you have to do is pick the right marketing and distribution choices.
Get the Word Out
People will tell you to find a film distributor to help market and distribute your movie. Although
that is true, you can opt for self distribution anytime. All you have to do is make your movie
available to the audience by coming up with marketing strategies in social networking sites. It
is quite easy to use these venues to promote a film. You can create an account in Facebook,
Twitter, and Youtube where your followers can get latest updates about your film. See to it
that your audience get the latest updates to keep their interest alive.
Participate in Film Festivals
You can promote you feature movie by joining film festivals. Ask fellow filmmakers when is
the next film festival and where it will be held. Make sure that you get the requirements so
you can these events. Film festivals are not only a good opportunity for you to showcase your
movie to audiences but you will probably catch the interest of film distributors participating in
these events too.
Find an Independent Theatre
Apart from self promotion and film festivals, you can promote you movie by opting for
independent movie theatres. These theaters are like regular theaters but they cater to
independent movies. However, this option may cost you extra but it will definitely give you
and your film needed exposure. What is great about these theaters is that they will help your
movie get noticed in public.